Dennis Norbert Schmitt

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, September 9, 2026, at Holy Spirit Catholic Church in St. Cloud for Dennis N. Schmitt, age 88, of St. Cloud, who peacefully passed away, surrounded by family, on Friday, August 21, 2026, at Cherrywood Advanced Living in St. Cloud. Visitation will be held from 9:00 am until time of service.

Dennis was the 10th of 13 children, born at home in Luxemburg, Minnesota, on November 27, 1937, to Leo and Margaret (Doubek) Schmitt. In 1943 the family moved from Luxemburg to St. Joseph, where he learned to work on the family farm at a young age. That experience shaped the strong work ethic he carried throughout his life, and he often reminded his own children to “work hard and always do a good job.” Farm life also taught him how to solve problems, repair things, and develop carpentry skills that served him and many others well. Dennis graduated from St. Cloud Technical High School in 1956 and enlisted in the United States Army. He served from 1956 to 1959, including two years at Fort Gulich in Panama. Dennis enjoyed playing football, baseball, and ocean fishing while stationed in Panama. He also taught himself how to swim at the Fort’s swimming pool.

After his military service, Dennis returned home and met his future wife, Alice Pflueger, at a wedding shower dance. They were married on June 11, 1960, at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Collegeville, Minnesota. In 1963, they purchased their home in the Fernwood neighborhood on the south side of St. Cloud, where they raised their four children and lived together for 63 years.

In the late 1960s, Dennis earned a certificate in electronics from the Chicago Institute of Electronics, which led to his work as an appliance repairman for JCPenney. To provide extra income for his family, he repaired televisions and radios on the side and installed draperies. Eventually, Dennis and Alice started their own business, Schmitt TV and Appliance, in St. Cloud.

Dennis was a deeply thankful and appreciative man who found satisfaction in the many things he accomplished throughout his life. From growing up on the sandy farmland of St. Joseph to enjoying retirement, he understood how fortunate he was. He was always willing to help others—roofing, raising a house, fixing an appliance, mowing a lawn, painting, handling plumbing issues, or tackling almost any repair. He rarely said “no,” and he could fix nearly anything. Dennis was a Pillar member of Holy Spirit church where he volunteered for many activities such as preparing bouja, assisting with church breakfasts, fall festivals, and maintaining the grounds. He was also a member of the Knights of Columbus and St. Joe Legion - Post 0328. In his spare time, he enjoyed woodworking, home projects, time with family, fishing, deer hunting, golfing, bowling, camping with friends, winter trips to Arizona, and of course, playing cards and socializing. He had a wonderful sense of humor and a laugh everyone recognized.

Dennis is survived by his wife, Alice C. Schmitt (Pflueger); his children, Jeff Schmitt, Randy Schmitt, Lynn Plumb, and Ronda Schulte; his son-in-law, Tedd Schulte; 5 grand kids (Alexandra, Madelynn, Lacey, Lexington, Levi) and 6 great grand kids (Deion, Mia, Payton, Rownan, Christopher and Gemma); his sisters, Irene Rennie, Emma Dullinger, and Carol Rodekuhr; his brother-in-law, Dennis Heimerl; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Dennis was preceded in death by his brothers, Alvin, who was killed in action during World War II, Richard (Marie) Schmitt, Henry “Hank” (Ceil) Schmitt, Elmer “Bud” (Arlene) Schmitt, and Bob (Mary) Schmitt; his sisters, Esther (Benjamin) Kotschevar, Martha (Bob) Lodermeier, Mary (Dick) Brinker, and Margaret “Margie” (Dennis) Heimerl; and twin siblings who died at birth.

We are grateful for the kindness and support shown to Dennis by family, friends, nieces, nephews, caregivers, and his parish priests.

He will be dearly missed by his loved ones and by all those whose lives he touched. May his soul rest in peace with Jesus.